War on Terrorism

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The leader conducted direct-fire and roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan forces throughout the Zhari district.

Multiple suspected insurgents also were detained during the operation.

In other Afghanistan news today:

-- An Afghan-led and coalition-supported force detained several suspects during a search for a Haqqani network leader in the Sabari district of Khost province. The leader procures weapons, ammunition and bomb-making materials. He also plants explosives throughout the Bak and Sabari districts.

-- A combined force seized firearms and detained three suspects while searching for a Haqqani network leader in the Nerkh district of Wardak province. The leader plans bomb attacks and coordinates insurgent fighters through the province.

-- In the Khugyani district of Nangarhar province, a combined force detained two suspects, seized weapons, ammunition, bomb-making materials and Afghan army uniforms while searching for a Taliban facilitator who coordinates attacks and distributes weapons to insurgent fighters throughout Nangarhar province.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- In the Chorah district of Uruzgan province, a combined force detained two suspects while searching for a Taliban leader who builds bombs and procures weapons for insurgents.